Carla Pellegrino Out at Miami’s Touché, Returns to Las Vegas

Former Rao’s chef Top Chef Seattle contestant Carla Pellegrino returns to Las Vegas after spending two years in Miami at Touché Rooftop Lounge & Restaurant, the rooftop retreat she opened in spring 2014 at E11even Nightclub. The Italian restaurant served sushi and a nightclub menu in a space with a "waterfall wall, fire pits, a communal table and bar, DJs, live music and LED screens."

She tells Miami.com, "After two wonderful years in South Florida, I look forward to returning home to Las Vegas. I'm proud of all we've accomplished, and I look forward to the partners' continued success and collaborating with their future endeavors."

Pellegrino left Rao’s at Caesars Palace to open Bacio at the Tropicana and Brazilian and Italian fusion restaurant Bratalian Neapolitan Cantina with her sister in Henderson. The Top Chef Seattle alum left the show after cutting her hand during a challenge in 2013. She also worked with Meatball Spot when it was at Town Square to develop the menu.

Pellegrino reports that she has several projects in the works in Las Vegas. Pellegrino, in a buoyant, upbeat mood about the change, posted a new public and revealing photo as she moves on to new challenges.